Different Kind of Power: A memoir

From the former prime minister of New Zealand, then the world’s youngest female head of government and just the second to give birth in office, comes a deeply personal memoir chronicling her extraordinary rise and offering inspiration to a new generation of leaders.

What if we could redefine leadership? What if kindness came first? Jacinda Ardern grew up the daughter of a police officer, a Mormon girl plagued by self-doubt. But as prime minister she commanded worldwide respect for her empathetic leadership, made political history, and changed our assumptions about what a global leader can be.

When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister at age thirty-seven, the world took notice. But it was her compassionate, powerful response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, resulting in swift gun-control reforms, that exemplified a new kind of leadership-one that is caring and effective. She guided New Zealand through unprecedented challenges-a volcanic eruption, a major biosecurity breach, and a global pandemic-and advanced visionary new policies to address climate change, reduce child poverty, and secure historic international trade deals. She did this all while juggling first-time motherhood in the public eye.

She is a global icon, and now in this remarkable book she shares her story, from the struggles to the surprises, including the full details of her decision to step down during her sixth year as prime minister.

Jacinda Ardern is a model for anyone who has ever doubted themselves or has aspired to lead with compassion, conviction, and courage. A Different Kind of Power is more than a political memoir; it’s an insight into how it feels to lead, ultimately asking- What if you, too, are capable of more than you ever imagined?

Format: Hardback
Pages: 352
Imprint: Penguin Books NZ
Publication date: 03/06/2025